Transmission drops into neutral or downshifts on its own

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the valve body, solenoid or lead frame (25 reports) and the control module (13 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the transmission and drivetrain covers the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

All 14 recalls on the 2016 Ford F-150, with the owner complaints on each recalled system

NHTSA investigations into the transmission and drivetrain on the F-150

What owners paid

8 of the 125 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,100 to $2,300.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 78,000 and 150,000 miles, from the 69 reports that gave a mileage.

What owners wrote

“It happen several times. I was driving at the 50 - 60 mile per hour. The transmissions unexpectedly downshift to first gear and the RPM when above 5-6K. I have to switch the gear to neutral and pull over to the side of the road. Then turn off the engine and turn it back on. The problem seems to go away for a few days. Then it happen again. It's very dangerous when this happen.”

Filed Sep 10, 2024

“While driving at high speed, the transmission suddenly downshifted into first gear. This resulted in a near loss of control. From looking online, it appears there was a recall for prior model years related to the same problem.”

Filed Aug 13, 2024

“Truck had defective lead frame assembly in transmission , caused wheels to lockup when downshifted to first while traveling at 65 mph. Ford says no recall, had to pay $1700 for transmission repair of lead frame , and every tire was flat spotted and had to be changed as well. And cost me $700 in towing fees.”

Filed Aug 9, 2024

“The transmission gear selector light will go out and a see owners manual message pops up with a maintenance wrench. Then the truck will not shift gears or even goes into neutral while driving. Very unsafe when driving in traffic.”

Filed Mar 6, 2024

Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works

Other problems on this car

• Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 339 reports
• Engine stalls or loses power while driving 183 reports
• Doors, latches or locks fail 159 reports
• Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 106 reports
• Check engine light or misfire 105 reports
• "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 94 reports
• Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 91 reports
• Rear window shatters or explodes 90 reports
• Windshield cracks or distorts 82 reports
• Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 57 reports
• Brakes on its own (automatic emergency braking) 41 reports
• Airbag warning light or recall 35 reports
• Seat belt or seat problems 33 reports
• Windshield wipers stop working 33 reports
• Transmission fails or needs replacement 32 reports
• Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 30 reports
• Loses power when accelerating 29 reports
• Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 27 reports
• Turbo failure or loss of boost 25 reports