Need to Check on a Recall? Check Out Details on a New Tool Aimed at Making Finding Recall Details Easier
Recall News: Ford & Volkswagen
Among the reasons for the two recalls are a potential for vehicles to unexpectedly downshift into first gear, and possibly faulty air bags.
Christy Grimes・Former Senior Editor
2014 Ford F-150s are recalled due to the potential for the vehicle to unexpectedly downshift into first gear. 2020-2024 Volkswagen Atlases are recalled because of possibly faulty air bags.
Photo: Ford/Volkswagen/Automotive Fleet
2 min to read
Automakers are recalling a combined 820,000+ vehicles popular among commercial fleets.
Among the reasons for the two recalls, announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are a potential for vehicles to unexpectedly downshift into first gear, and possibly faulty air bags.
Late-Model Ford F-150s: Unexpected Downshift Can Cause Loss of Control
Ford is recalling certain 2014 F-150 pickup trucks. A loss of signal between the transmission output shaft speed sensor and the powertrain control module can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
According to paperwork filed by Ford to NHTSA, Ford's Critical Concern Review Group opened an investigation into the matter in February 2024 after receiving an increasing number of reports related to unexpected transmission downshifting on the 2014 model year pickups equipped with 6R80 six-speed automatic transmissions.
Previous model year F-150s have been recalled for the same issue in the past.
As of April 2024, Ford is aware of 300 warranty reports, 96 field reports and 124 customer complaints, corresponding to 482 vehicles in the U.S. received between March 2014 and March 2024 for the issue.
Of these reports, 40 vehicles had alleged rear wheel lock-up and/or loss of vehicle control. Ford is aware of 130 reports related to unexpected transmission downshifting, of which 52 alleged rear wheel lock-up and/or loss of vehicle control. Two reports allege injury and another one alleges an accident that may be attributable to this condition.
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 1, 2024.
Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs: Front Passenger Air Bag May Not Deploy
Volkswagen is recalling certain 2021-2024 Atlas and 2020-2024 Atlas Cross Sport SUVs.
According to documents submitted to NHTSA, passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied.
Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters for this recall are expected to be mailed August 16, 2024.
The recall decision, according to NHTSA documents, was based on 1,730 warranty claims for replaced PODS parts.
More Safety
NAFA Fleet Safety Symposium to Collocate With 2026 Fleet Forward Conference
The daylong certificate program will precede the Fleet Forward Conference at the Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland.
Read More →
The Distractions You Can’t Turn Off: What Drivers Face Outside the Vehicle
Fleet drivers face constant visual, cognitive, and environmental interruptions the moment they hit the road. From roadside chaos to mental fatigue and digital overload, today’s biggest driving risks often come from outside the vehicle itself.
Read More →
FLASH Weather AI Launches First Deep-Learning Hail Prediction Model With High-Resolution Forecasting
FLASH Weather AI has launched a first-of-its-kind hail prediction model capable of forecasting hail size and arrival time at 1-kilometer resolution up to 55 minutes ahead, giving fleets and insurers critical time to prepare for severe storms.
Read More →
How Coca-Cola United Protects Its Fleet from Growing Legal Risk
As litigation risk rises, vehicles are increasingly targeted. This Coca-Cola bottler shares how it’s reducing exposure through driver training, technology, and a proactive risk management approach.
Read More →
How to Speak the Same Language on Fleet Safety
Drivers, supervisors, and data often speak different safety “languages.” Getting on the same page will drive better results.
Read More →
Fleet Cybersecurity 101: What You Need from Your Technology Vendors
From identity management to third-party certifications, the right technology partner should make security easier to manage. Here are the three building blocks that fleet managers need to stay in control as connected systems scale.
Read More →
Reducing Risk by Eliminating Phone Use Behind the Wheel
Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.
Read More →
Distracted Driving in the Age of Smart Tech – Part 2
As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.
Read More →
Data Rights, Risks, and Responsibilities After a Crash
What fleets capture to improve safety can also expose them in litigation, forcing leaders to rethink how data is managed, stored, and shared.
Read More →
From Distraction to Detection: Strengthening Awareness in Fleet Drivers
Distracted driving is often measured by what we can see—phones in hand, eyes off the road. But what about the distractions we can’t? A recent incident raises a bigger question about awareness, attention, and why subtle risks so often go unnoticed.
Read More →