Driver FixRecommendedSound, Wi-Fi or graphics acting up? Check drivers firstFind missing or outdated drivers fast.Check DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan Now×
Skip to content
CarCodyAdvertise
Service recordThe Garage

Ford Recalls Nearly 1.4 Million F-150s Over Risk of Sudden Downshift

Ford is recalling nearly 1.4 million potentially affected 2015–2017 F-150s over a transmission fault that can cause an unexpected downshift into second gear. Check your VIN for coverage and the free dealer remedy.
Entry926 Date Time3 min MechanicCarCody Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Ford is recalling 1,392,935 potentially affected 2015–2017 F-150 trucks because a transmission fault can trigger an unexpected downshift into second gear. The sudden reduction in wheel speed may cause the rear tires to slide and the driver to lose control. The recall is Ford campaign 26S28 and NHTSA campaign 26V237; eligibility depends on the vehicle’s VIN, and Ford’s stated repair is a free software update at a Ford or Lincoln dealer.

What is Ford recall 26S28?

Ford recall 26S28, listed by NHTSA as campaign 26V237, covers 1,392,935 potentially involved F-150s. The affected model years are 2015, 2016 and 2017. In its April 14, 2026 filing, Ford estimated that 1% of the recalled population has the defect; that estimate does not mean every truck covered by the recall will experience the problem. Ford’s Part 573 safety recall report and NHTSA’s recall acknowledgment identify the campaigns and describe the risk.

Why can the F-150 downshift into second gear by itself?

Ford says electrical connections in the transmission lead frame can degrade over time because of thermal cycling and vibration. If the powertrain control module (PCM) momentarily receives an incorrect transmission range sensor signal, it may command an unintended shift into second gear.

The resulting abrupt drop in wheel speed can make the rear tires slide until the truck slows. In some circumstances, that may lead to loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash. A malfunction indicator light or wrench light may illuminate, but Ford says this can happen only in some cases; the absence of a warning light does not establish that a truck is unaffected.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
KiNSMART - 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor 5" 1:46 Scale Die Cast Model Toy Truck (Red)
  • Offical Licensed 2022 FORD F-150 Raptor
  • Die Cast Metal Body w/ Plastic Parts
  • 1:46 Scale, 46 Times Smaller The the Real F-150
  • 5" 4 Set - Black, White, Red, Blue
  • Front Doors Open - Pullback Action

Which F-150s are covered?

The filing identifies certain 2015–2017 F-150s built from March 12, 2014, through August 18, 2017, and equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. Those model years and build dates describe the potential scope, not a substitute for checking a particular truck: Ford says vehicles were not produced in VIN order, and recall eligibility is VIN-specific.

How do I check my VIN for the recall?

  1. Find the truck’s 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN), shown on the vehicle and its registration or insurance documents.
  2. Enter the VIN in NHTSA’s recall lookup at NHTSA.gov/recalls. NHTSA’s acknowledgment says affected VINs became searchable on April 15, 2026.
  3. If the result is unclear, contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or ask a Ford or Lincoln dealer to check the VIN through Ford’s OASIS system.

Use the VIN result rather than model year alone to determine whether a specific truck is included.

Rank #2
2019 Ford F-150 Lariat Crew Cab Pickup Truck Red 1/24-1/27 Diecast Model Car by Motormax 79363
  • Brand new box. Real rubber tires. Folding side mirrors. Has opening front doors. Detailed interior, exterior. Made of diecast with some plastic parts. Dimensions approximately L-8.5, W-3.75, H-2.75 inches.

What is the repair, and does it cost anything?

Ford’s stated recall remedy is a no-charge PCM calibration update performed by a Ford or Lincoln dealer. The updated software gives the control system more time to recognize failed or failing transmission range sensor hardware before it commands the downshift.

If certain diagnostic trouble codes related to the condition were present before the update, the dealer is to replace the transmission lead frame at no charge under the related extended warranty program. Ford’s filing describes this as an additional repair for qualifying vehicles, not the standard remedy for every recalled truck.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Motormax 1979 Ford F-150 Pickup Classic F150 Pick Up Truck 1:24 Diecast Collectible Model Car Black 79346 All Star Toys Exclusive
  • Official Licensed Product through Motormax
  • Made of die-cast metal and premium rubber tires.
  • Opening doors, detailed interior
  • 1:24 Scale measuring approx. 8x3x3 inches

What did Ford report about claims, crashes and injuries?

In its April 14, 2026 filing, Ford reported that, as of April 2, it had identified 444 warranty claims, 121 field reports, 105 customer service reports and 316 U.S. Vehicle Owner Questionnaires potentially related to the concern, representing 891 VINs. Ford also reported two injuries and one potentially related accident. These are manufacturer-reported figures in the recall filing, not a finding that every report or injury was independently confirmed as caused by the defect.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Are the recall letters and repair available now?

Ford’s filing scheduled interim owner letters for April 27–May 1, 2026, and remedy letters for July 13–17, 2026. Those dates were planned in the filing; the documents cited here do not independently confirm whether those mailings were completed or establish the repair’s current availability. Check the VIN and contact Ford or a dealer for the truck’s present status before deciding what service it needs.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
KiNSMART - 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor 5' 1:46 Scale Die Cast Model Toy Truck (Red)
KiNSMART - 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor 5" 1:46 Scale Die Cast Model Toy Truck (Red)
Offical Licensed 2022 FORD F-150 Raptor; Die Cast Metal Body w/ Plastic Parts; 1:46 Scale, 46 Times Smaller The the Real F-150
$9.25
Bestseller No. 3
Motormax 1979 Ford F-150 Pickup Classic F150 Pick Up Truck 1:24 Diecast Collectible Model Car Black 79346 All Star Toys Exclusive
Motormax 1979 Ford F-150 Pickup Classic F150 Pick Up Truck 1:24 Diecast Collectible Model Car Black 79346 All Star Toys Exclusive
Official Licensed Product through Motormax; Made of die-cast metal and premium rubber tires.
$31.99
SaleBestseller No. 4
Motormax 1979 Ford F-150 Pickup Truck 2 Tone, Blue with Cream 79346AC-BLCRM - 1/24 Scale Diecast Model Toy Car
Motormax 1979 Ford F-150 Pickup Truck 2 Tone, Blue with Cream 79346AC-BLCRM - 1/24 Scale Diecast Model Toy Car
1/24 scale collectible vehicle model; real rubber tires, opening doors, detailed interior and exterior
$29.96
Rank #4
Sale
Motormax 1979 Ford F-150 Pickup Truck 2 Tone, Blue with Cream 79346AC-BLCRM - 1/24 Scale Diecast Model Toy Car
  • 1/24 scale collectible vehicle model
  • This 1979 Ford F-150 Pickup Truck 2 Tone is a 8"Lx 3.5"Wx 3.25"H model with some plastic parts
  • real rubber tires, opening doors, detailed interior and exterior
  • Manufactured by Motormax
  • Blue

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

More from the Garage

  1. Entry001Date17 AUG 26Time13 minReliability Matters: The 10 Best Pickup Trucks of the Last 10 YearsSection: Blog
  2. Entry002Date09 OCT 26Time3 minWhich Brake Pad Should You Buy From RockAuto or Elsewhere?Section: Blog
  3. Entry003Date09 OCT 26Time5 minThe Pros and Cons of Touchless Car Wash SystemsSection: Blog

Thanks for visiting Carcody

Carcody.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.