Ford Recalls 1.39M F-150s

Drivers of some of Ford's most popular trucks are being told a surprise gear change could be lurking under the hood. The automaker is recalling as many as 1.39 million F-150 pickups from model years 2015 through 2017 because a faulty signal between a transmission sensor and the powertrain control module can cause the truck to abruptly drop into second gear, raising the risk of losing control. Ford says dealers will fix the issue with a software update to the powertrain control module, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Ford knows of two injuries and one accident that might be connected to the issue, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said, per CBS News. F-150 owners should receive initial safety notices by mail starting April 27, with follow-up letters expected in July once the final repair is ready. The move adds to a string of recalls for Ford, which led all automakers last year with actions affecting nearly 13 million vehicles, including software-related recalls tied to center screens and trailer brake lights and turn signals. The automaker has said that according to its metrics, new Fords are having fewer problems in their first 90 days, per the Journal.