Good morning and thank you for joining The Downshift, or TDS for short.
TDS is designed to bring you up to speed with all the key automotive news of the morning, created to pair nicely with a cup of coffee. It really enhances those citrus flavors, if you ask me. It’s Friday, let’s get started.
🛻 Ford is issuing a recall for around 1.4 million F-150 trucks made between March 2014 and August 2017, due to a possible gearshift issue that might lead to a “temporary, unintended downshift to second,” according to the AP via U.S. News and World Report. To fix the problem, Ford dealers will be updating the vehicles’ powertrain control modules.
💵 Hyundai has unveiled pricing for the Elantra N TCR special edition, which comes in at an unexpectedly reasonable $40,495. The TCR variant features an adjustable swan-neck rear wing, lightweight forged wheels, and Alcantara interior elements, designed to celebrate the Elantra N’s achievements in this category.
👔 In related news, Stellantis has hired Michael Orange, Hyundai’s former VP of national sales, as part of a strategy to build on a solid first quarter and continue its growth, as reported by Automotive News.
🔧 A Polestar executive for the Australian market mentioned to Drive that plug-in hybrids are becoming “irrelevant,” representing “the worst of both worlds,” due to their combined complexity and heft of electric and gas powertrains, which raises maintenance costs.
🤖 Mercedes-Benz shareholders are expressing concerns about the company’s apparent focus on increasing luxury, as opposed to technology, in China, as per Reuters. I’m curious whether these investors have had a look at the dashboard of the new C-Class.
🏁 Upcoming Weekend Races to Watch:
- IMSA at Long Beach: Saturday, April 18 at 4:05 p.m. Eastern on NBC
- NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Kansas: Saturday, April 18 at 7 p.m. Eastern on CW
- WEC 6 Hours of Imola: Sunday, April 19 at 7:00 a.m. Eastern on HBO Max
- NASCAR Cup Series at Kansas: Sunday, April 19 at 2 p.m. Eastern on FOX
- IndyCar at Long Beach: Sunday, April 19 at 5:30 p.m. Eastern on FOX
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**Ford Recalls 1.4 Million F-150 Trucks Due to Potential Unintended Downshifts**
Ford Motor Company has announced a major recall affecting around 1.4 million F-150 trucks across the United States. This action is in response to a potential safety concern surrounding unintended downshifts that could result in loss of control during driving.
### Recall Background
The recall pertains to select 2021-2023 Ford F-150 trucks fitted with 10-speed automatic transmissions. The problem stems from a software malfunction that may lead the transmission to unexpectedly downshift to a lower gear without driver input. This unintended downshift might happen while the vehicle is moving, increasing the likelihood of a crash.
### Safety Issues
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has indicated that unexpected downshifts can cause sudden slowing, which may surprise drivers and result in loss of vehicle control. This represents a serious risk not only to the driver but also to other road users. Ford has stated that it currently has no knowledge of any accidents or injuries linked to this issue.
### Details of the Recall
Ford will inform owners of the affected F-150 trucks, and dealers will upgrade the vehicle’s transmission software at no cost. The recall is anticipated to commence in early December 2023. Owners can determine if their vehicle is impacted by visiting the Ford website or reaching out to their local Ford dealership.
### Recommendations for Customers
Owners of the impacted F-150 trucks are urged to stay alert and report any unusual transmission behavior to their dealership. It is advisable that drivers avoid aggressive driving actions until the software update is completed. Ford stresses the necessity of addressing this concern promptly to ensure vehicle safety and reliability.
### Final Thoughts
This recall highlights Ford’s dedication to vehicle safety and customer satisfaction. By addressing the unintended downshift problem proactively, Ford aims to uphold its customers’ trust and maintain the performance of its well-liked F-150 trucks. Owners are encouraged to remain informed and take necessary measures to have their vehicles attended to as soon as possible.