Ford Motor Company is recalling 184,000 vehicles because they are equipped with a 6R80 automatic transmission that can unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed. The recall includes: 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, 2012 Lincoln Navigator, and 2012 Ford Mustang vehicles. Ford is aware of three reports of accidents and no injuries related to this issue.
The affected vehicles may experience an intermittent loss of the Transmission Output Speed Sensor (OSS) signal to the Powertrain Control Module that could cause a temporary, unintended downshift into first gear. In some cases, the OSS signal could recover while driving and the vehicle will resume normal function, but in other cases the vehicle may need to be stopped and restarted to regain normal transmission operation. If the vehicle downshifts unexpectedly, it will suddenly slow down without warning. Depending on the speed the vehicle is moving when the downshift occurs, the rear tires can also slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the Powertrain Control Module reprogrammed with updated software.
