California Lemon Law News + Info

Ford F-150 Trucks Recalled For Unexpected Shifting Into Neutral

A 2021 Ford F-150 recall was issued because more than 47,000 trucks’ transmissions may unexpectedly shift into NEUTRAL.

A white pickup truck is parked on an empty lot. More than 47,000 model year 2021 Ford F-150 pickup trucks were recalled because the 10-speed transmissions (10R80) unexpectedly shift into NEUTRAL.According to the Recall Safety Report, the affected 2021 Ford F-150 trucks are equipped with 10-speed transmissions (10R80) and the following engine types: 3.5L GTDI, 2.7L and 5L engines. These trucks are not equipped with Auto Start-Stop technology, and they were built between July 28, 2021, and December 20, 2021.

The problems start when the “Transmission Fluid Pressure Low” diagnostic trouble code activates when it shouldn’t.

This false activation can happen while the Ford F-150 truck is being driven at any speed.

A wrench light will illuminate, and the transmission will shift into NEUTRAL. Once the truck’s speed goes below 2 miles per hour, the electric shifter will try to engage PARK.

The transmission will engage PARK when the F-150 truck comes to a complete stop.

Ford said the transmission function might be restored upon a “key-off/key-on” cycle. According to recall documents, “a transmission calibration diagnostic logic was inadvertently activated for certain vehicles without Auto Start-Stop technology.”

Specifically, an engineering investigation found that the powertrain diagnostic logical software branches was turned on accidentally while the 2021 Ford F-150 trucks were being built. This logic accidentally activates the Pump-Gear-Failure-Detection logic, even though the hardware is working as intended.

Ford F-150 transmission recall notices are expected to be mailed May 2. Ford dealers will update the powertrain control module software.


Lemon Law Help by Knight Law Group is an automotive lemon law firm that exclusively practices in California. If you are a California resident who purchased or leased a defective vehicle from a licensed dealership in California, we may be able to help you get rid of your potential lemon and recover significant cash compensation. Model year restrictions apply: 2020–Present vehicle models only.

However, we cannot help those who reside outside of California or purchased their vehicle outside of California unless they are active duty members of the Armed Forces, nor will we be able to refer those to a lemon law firm in their states.

To learn more about the California Lemon Law and your legal rights, visit our guide on the California Lemon Law for more information.

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